The recent cool temperatures mean fall is rapidly approaching. SmokyMountains.com recently released their fall foliage predictor for the United States. They use an algorithm that draws on 50,000 pieces of data including historical temperatures and precipitation, forecasted temperatures and precipitation, historical leaf peak trends, and observation trends. Because of a wetter than normal summer [...]

The Great Smoky Mountains are home to many beautiful landmarks and views but high atop the list is the annual flame azalea bloom atop Gregory Bald. Every mid-to-late June Gregory Bald explodes in a sea of color as the flame azaleas hit their peak. The hike to Gregory Bald can be done as a challenging [...]

Spring is a time of warmer temperatures and additional rainfall which means waterfalls and wildflowers in our area. One of the best loops for seeing an abundance of both is the Yahoo Falls Loop in the Big South Fork River & National Recreation Area. The highlight of this 10 mile loop is Yahoo Falls, the [...]

The area around Rockcastle and Jackson counties is home to three of the more scenic waterfalls in Kentucky. Flat Lick Falls, McCammon Falls, and Anglin Falls are all easily viewed in a day and are family friendly as none requires a long and rugged hike. Distance from Lexington is approximately 70 miles to the [...]

For most people in Kentucky camping season runs spring through fall. The go-to area for many is the Red River Gorge but "The Gorge" has been experiencing record numbers of visitors and some are seeking other places to get away. Here are some alternative spots to camp where you can get a great outdoor experience [...]

One of the best hiking and backpacking areas within a day's drive of Central Kentucky is Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwest Virginia. Located near the Appalachian Trail town of Damascus, Grayson Highlands State Park offers 13 miles of hiking trails along with direct access to the Appalachian Trail, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, [...]

As we enter the dog days of summer getting out to do that long weekend run can be even more of a chore. A good way to spice up your weekly routine is to get out of town and run in a new location. One of my favorite routes is Wildcat Road near the Wild [...]

The Breaks Interstate Park, a 4,600 acre park located in far eastern Kentucky on the Kentucky/Virginia border, is now officially open to rock climbing. Called the "Grand Canyon of the South" the Russell Fork river that cuts through "The Breaks" forms the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. Thanks to the efforts of Access [...]

Have you ever wanted to go kayak camping but are unsure of how to get started? Are you an experienced kayak camper but would like to learn some new skills? J&H Lanmark's own Steve "Tubbo" Morgan will be presenting a free clinic on kayak camping on Saturday, June 11th at 11am at our store. There is no charge to [...]